5 Mini Makeup Reviews

There was a time on this blog where I used to post daily, and I was a lot quicker at reviewing the products that I was using and loving. Nowadays life is a bit more hectic, and posting twice a week is about as much as I can manage right now. In the spirit of not leaving anything out, today I thought I'd feature five of the new beauty products I've been using over the last couple of months and I'd talk you through what I liked (or didn't like) about them. I've tried to include a mix of products - because, honestly, given the chance I can rant and rave just about lipstick for hours - and I hope that you enjoy this post and that it's helpful to anyone looking to make some purchasing decisions. 

Out of this line-up, the product that I've been using for the longest is Maybelline's Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill 50* (RRP £6.99). Last summer, I was very kindly invited along to a Maybelline event by my friend Stephanie - who writes Hope Freedom Love - and in the goody bag I was very kindly gifted the whole range of Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks. The colour range isn't entirely to my personal taste (lots of bold, bright shades) but this nude colour is really gorgeous and very easy to wear.  The formulation is much better than I'd ever expected from a drugstore liquid lipstick; the formula is super creamy and easy to apply evenly, and then it very lightly sets down into a powdery matte finish. For such an affordable lip product I've been impressed with the way it wears and how long it lasts. If the colour range was extended to include some more subtle everyday colours then I'd probably go ahead and purchase them!

My friend Kate had raved about the lasting power of Illamasqua's black liquid eyeliner, so when I spotted Illamasqua's Precision Ink Eyeliner in Havoc (RRP £20.50) in the sale I snapped it up post-haste. Havoc is a dark purple/aubergine shade that's quite subtle but still noticeably not black, it's actually a really nice everyday choice if you're tired of applying the same old liner. I bought mine back in December so I've had a good amount of time to trial the eyeliner, and quite frankly I love it. Not only is the colour gorgeous but the formulation of the product - and the appliactor - are fantastic. I never have any issues with smudging or colour transfer onto my hooded eyelids, but it still isn't difficult to remove so long as you have an effective cleanser. I'm currently using Acorelle's Youth Protector Cleansing Oil which removes any and all makeup really easily, but I've also used cream cleansers that do the job. 

Speaking of creams, I've been very happily working my way through a sample of Mac's Strobe Cream (sample size). I've heard about this product in beauty videos but I'd never really considered purchasing it for myself, it just happened that I recieved a free sample when I ordered a lipstick online. I believe you're supposed to use this as a primer under your makeup and it adds some hydration and a healthy dose of glow. I find that it doesn't create the smoothest base, but I do love the  brightening effect that it offers. It reminds me a lot of L'Oreal's Magic Lumi Primer, which is a good "drugstore dupe" if you're on a budget, but Mac's Strobe Cream is definitely a bit thicker and creamier. I would recommend trying it out, but I'd buy the sized-to-go version which currently represents better value for money than the full-sized product.

I quite like Revlon's repackaged mascaras, and I was drawn to Revlon's Ultimate All-in-One Mascara in Black (RRP £9.99) because of its small wand. I haven't yet spotted a drugstore bottom-lash mascara (I think Clinique still own that corner of the market) but I thought that maybe this mascara's little wand might be able to function in a similar way - and I wasn't disappointed. I'm not totally converted to Revlon's Ultimate All-in-One Mascara on my top lashes, it gives a heavier and thicker look than I personally enjoy, but it does do a great job of thickening up and emphasising my lower lashes. I don't know if I'd repurchase it, but equally it wasn't a waste of money and I have got use out of it.

Last but not least, I've been absolutely loving Illamasqua's Vital Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £34.00). Last year I missed out on a couple of Illamasqua eyeshadow palettes because I waited too long to purchase them, so when I spotted the Vital Palette I didn't make the same mistake! The four shades are all work well against my blue eyes, and Illamasqua's matte eyeshadow formulation is a sheer pleasure to work with. I love wearing matte eyeshadows during the day, and these shades all apply well and blend easily. This year I'll definitely invest in another Illamasqua eyeshadow palette and now it's just a question of which one I choose.


Have you tried any of these product before? 
What makeup products are on your wishlist?

This post contains PR samples - marked with an asterix (*)

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